A week after a string of commercial burglaries in Ellicott City, police are investigating a number of similar incidents in Columbia. 

Howard County Police spokeswoman Sherry Llewellyn said the Columbia thefts are being investigated independently, but added, “Investigators will look at other possible links both in Howard County and in other jurisdictions, as the investigation continues.”

On May 22, assailants smashed through the glass and front doors of businesses on Baltimore National Pike, stealing money and cigarettes.  

Overnight between May 29 and May 30, glass was shattered at the front of 11 businesses along Dobbin Road, Dobbin Center Way, Snowden River Parkway and Oakland Mills Road, in Columbia.

Property damage included: 

6400 block of Dobbin Center Way: 

• Tan Stand: Front glass door broken, cash was stolen.
• Pei Wei: Front glass door broken, unknown what was stolen.
• Max Muscle: Glass at front broken, cash stolen.
• LA Boxing: Glass at front broken, cash stolen.
• Sport Clips: Glass at front broken, unknown what was stolen.
• Qdoba: Glass at front broken, cash stolen.

9400 block of Snowden River Parkway:

• Domino’s Pizza: Glass at front broken, nothing taken.
• Comics to Astonish: Front glass door broken, nothing stolen. 
• Royal Pizza: Front glass door broken, registers and cash stolen.

6900 block of Oakland Mills Road: 

• Ledo’s Pizza: Front glass broken, building wasn't entered.

6400 block of Dobbin Road:

• Sushi King: Front glass door broken, cash stolen.

Police are asking residents with information about the burglaries to call the Howard County Police tip line: 410-313-STOP.  Callers may remain anonymous.